Who We Are

About us

Welcome to the
FCA Creative Industries Programme

At Finn Church Aid (FCA), we believe in the power of skill training to transform lives and communities. For years, we’ve been providing training in traditional industries such as agriculture, construction, and clothing, but we knew there was more we could do.

Our Creative Industries program is a one-of-a-kind skills learning opportunity

Ville Wacklin, (program director), and his partner Jenni Lähteenmäki identified a gap in creative skills training and decided to bring their creative backgrounds to the table and kick off a whole new project: the Creative Industries Program.

The program is designed to provide creative skill training to young people in marginalized communities. We recognize that access to skills training and entrepreneurship training can be severely limited in many low-income communities around the globe, especially for those interested in creative careers. That’s why we’re committed to providing opportunities for youth to unlock their full potential and thrive in the creative industries.

The Creative Industries program was originally launched as an in-person training program in January 2020, but we quickly adapted to the challenges posed by the pandemic and transitioned to online learning

Today, we have trained more than 400 students in creative industries such as digital marketing, animation, graphic design, animation, web development and game development.

We’re driven by our commitment to creating positive change in the world through skill training and education. Join us in our mission to support and empower young creatives in low-income communities and unlock the potential of creativity for all.

How We Help

We understand that the majority of creative industry workers are self-employed, freelancers, or running their own businesses. That’s why our program not only provides technical skill training but also incorporates entrepreneurship and work-life skills into their learning.

Impact Driven Training & Passionate Skilled Trainers

We're proud of the impact our program has already made, and we're excited to continue expanding and improving our offerings to help even more young people succeed. Our team of experienced instructors and mentors are dedicated to providing personalized support to each and every one of our students, regardless of their location.

Unlocking Creativity, Opening Doors

Our program is designed to bridge the gap and level the playing field for aspiring creatives. Whether you’re interested in graphic design, game development, web design, digital marketing or any other creative field, we’re here to help you turn your passion into a viable career.

Building Bridges to Success, Changing Lives

We focus on providing our students with not just the technical skills they need to succeed, but also with the entrepreneurial and business skills necessary to turn their talents into successful careers. By levelling out the barriers from training to employment or entrepreneurship, we're empowering young people to make a positive impact in the creative industries.

Our Core Values

Creativity & Innovation

We believe that creativity is a powerful force for change and innovation. We are constantly exploring new ideas and approaches to support young people and advance the creative industries.

Empowerment

We are committed to empowering young people by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the creative industries.

Equality

We believe that everyone, regardless of their background, should have access to opportunities and support to pursue their creative dreams.

Collaboration

We work closely with our partners, donors, and the communities we serve to create meaningful and sustainable change.

Quality

We are dedicated to providing high-quality training and support to ensure that our beneficiaries have the best possible chance of success.

Impact

We are driven by our commitment to creating real and lasting impact in the lives of the young people we serve.

Our Team

Ville Wacklin

Program Director

Ville Wacklin is our program director and a true visionary leader. A creative himself, Ville brings a unique perspective to the table and is passionate about empowering young people to pursue their dreams in the creative industries. Under his guidance, our program has grown and expanded, and Ville hopes to continue to reach even more young people across Africa in the future. With his dedication and expertise, Ville is a driving force behind our mission to help aspiring creatives achieve their full potential.

Jenni Lähteenmäki

Senior Specialist

Jenni is a highly experienced entrepreneur with over 25 years of expertise in various management and creative roles in the Creative Industry and Media. Her vast experience and deep knowledge of the industry make her an invaluable asset to the Creative Industries Program. Jenni is responsible for developing and delivering the entrepreneurial skills curriculum that equips our students with the knowledge and skills to succeed as creative entrepreneurs. Her visionary leadership and commitment to excellence inspire our team and students alike.

Susan Awandu

Youth & Women Specialist

Meet Susan Awandu, our highly experienced youth and women development specialist. Susan has a solid background working with INGOs and the private sector, bringing a wealth of knowledge to our team. Her passion for sustainable livelihoods for women, youth, and vulnerable groups shines through in her work, making her an invaluable asset to our program. With Susan's expertise, we can provide even more opportunities for those in need to thrive in the creative industries.

Peter Njuguna

Campus Coordinator

Peter Njuguna, our campus co-ordinator. Peter is the backbone of our program, ensuring that everything runs smoothly at our campus in ACK, St. Phillips Jericho. He is the first person on the scene whenever there's a fire to put out, and his unwavering dedication to our cause inspires us all.

Freddie Ngunju

Digital Marketing Trainer

Winfred or Freddie as we fondly call her, is our digital marketing expert. With 12 years of experience in the digital marketing industry in Kenya and as a co-owner of award-winning Tag Creative digital marketing agency, Freddie is the go-to person for our students who are interested in pursuing a career in digital marketing.

Arnold Wanyumu

Web Design Trainer

Arnold, our web design trainer extraordinaire, is a highly recognized professional in his field and brings a wealth of knowledge to our program. His creativity and attention to detail are essential in training our students in the art of web design. He is passionate about creating engaging and user-friendly websites that showcase the best of our students' work.

ADA Animation

Animation Training

Nesbit Ochieng

Graphic Design Trainer